Light-weight Concrete Block Products from Coconut Shell Ash for Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

This research aims to test the properties of concrete block mixed with coarse coconut shell ash as aggregates in products. The mix ratios of Portland cement type1 : quarry dust : coconut shell ash : water are 1 : 11 : 0 : 0.7, 1 : 10 : 1 : 0.7, 1 : 9 : 2 : 0.7, 1 : 8 : 3 : 0.7, 1 : 7 : 4 : 0.7 and 1 : 6 : 5 : 0 . 7 by volume. The concrete block samples were mixed and casted in 7 x 19 x 39 centimeter by the concrete block molding machine. The concrete block sample testing follows the TIS 58-2533 standard on non-load bearing concrete blocks. From the results, the density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of concrete block mixed with coarse coconut shell ash lower than the common concrete block. In addition, the moisture content, volumetric change and water absorption are higher than the common concrete block. The optimal ratio in this research 1 : 9 : 2 : 0.7